The biannual South African School Librarians’ Conference takes place from 2 to 5 July 2017 at Highbury Preparatory School in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. The theme is “Leading out Loud” and the intent is to empower librarians to lead with conviction in various areas of their school — leading within information technology (IT), leading the promotion of reading, and leading through action with practical workshops. Keynote speakers will include Barbara Brand, a UK-based award-winning librarian, trainer and speaker; Nic Spaull, senior research fellow at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape; Craig Blewett, educational technology consultant from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); and Steve Gray, founder of Makerspace in Durban (Makerspaces are creative, “do-it-yourself” spaces where people can gather to create, invent and learn, often with the help of 3D printers, software, electronics, and craft and hardware supplies and tools.)

There will be talks on the use of films in schools and a chance to discuss copying, plagiarism issues and the Copyright Amendment Bill. Other exciting items on the agenda include prize-winning Demo-Slam slots for delegates to highlight their favourite tools and tips (Demo-Slams are quick-paced, high-energy sessions where presenters have three minutes each to demonstrate some technological innovation in front of a crowd, who will vote for a winner at the end.) The delegates will be entertained by entertainer Barry Thomson, with a murder mystery gala dinner and a pub quiz night. “Highbury has always been committed to igniting a love of reading in our boys,” explains Camilla Blomfield, marketing officer at Highbury. The school has weekly morning sessions where parents pair with groups of boys and discuss their library books.

“This has many benefits,” says Blomfield, “including pride in recalling what they have read, and an opportunity for moms and dads to be on the estate interacting with their sons and friends.” Please refer to http://www.schoollibrariansconference.co.za/ for further details.